Church leaders help people have their say on Heanor Health Services

Church leaders in Heanor have taken part in a podcast explaining the 90 day public consultation launched by NHS Southern Derbyshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) on 11 July.

Pastor David Howe, from Heanor Baptist Church and Reverend Dan Pattimore, vicar of St Lawrence Church Heanor, worked with the CCG to produce an audio version of the public consultation document.

People can hear the about the background to local health issues and find out about the options available and why one option has been highlighted as the CCG’s preferred way forward.

The public consultation was prompted by the discovery of asbestos at Heanor Memorial Hospital in September 2013. However, the CCG needs to look at the role of other health services as part of its wider responsibility for the health of all residents in the area. These include services based at Wilmot Street Health Centre, those provided in the wider community and those provided in people’s homes.

At the public meeting on 29 May the CCG confirmed that NHS funding is in place to build a new £2.5m health building which will provide services that meet the health requirements of the population.

Andy Layzell, Chief Officer of NHS Southern Derbyshire CCG, said:

“I would urge everyone in Heanor and surrounding areas to listen to the podcast or read the consultation document so that they can have their say in the future of their health services. As a patient focused organisation it’s very important to us that we have the views of as many local people as possible.

“There is also an opportunity to attend our two public meetings that will be held on 10 September at 2.00 to 4.00pm, Langley Mill Miners Welfare and 6.00 to 8.00pm, St Lawrence Church, Heanor. Places at the events are limited so anyone wishing to attend must book in advance by calling 01332 868 677.

“The purpose of this consultation is to check whether people support our preferred option and if they do not agree how we might be able to address their concerns.

“We are very grateful for the continued support of church leaders throughout the consultation. I would like to thank Pastor Howe and Reverend Pattimore for helping us to explain what this consultation means for the people of Heanor and surrounding areas.”